Raby Castle will be opening its gates for the 2023 season on Wednesday 1st March with a new exciting addition to its famous Entrance Hall.
In honour of the Coronation of King Charles III on 6th May, the Raby state coach, dating back to the early 19th century and used by the 9th Baron and Baroness Barnard to attend the Coronation of King Edward VII in 1902, will be undergoing conservation throughout the year and will take pride of place in the hall.
The state coach, originally made for the Duke of Cleveland by Rigby & Robinson of Park Lane, London, will remain on show throughout 2023, as local conservators Bob Elsey and Laurie Endean-Olsen undertake their work, painstakingly repairing fabrics, removing the residue of discoloured polish and cleaning every inch of the elegant vehicle.
Raby Castle has seen numerous Royal visits over the centuries, most recently, a visit from HM The King in 1983, as well as two visits from his namesake Charles I during his reign, in 1633 and 1639, and it is said that he was greatly struck by Raby. He is said to have rebuked his host Sir Henry Vane the Elder, who referred to his home as a, “mere hillock of stone” by saying, “Call ye that a hillock of stone? By my faith, I have not such another hillock of stones in all my realms”.
The family’s state carriage is a rare treasure, as during the conflicts of World War I and World War II, many estates’ carriages were dismantled to garner scrap metal to help the war effort. It is rare to find a carriage collection in such good condition, so this is a truly spectacular opportunity for visiting enthusiasts to see such a special item[1], and is just a taste of what is to come for the Raby Coronation year.
“This restoration of Raby’s state coach marks what is going to be a very exciting year for the castle,” says Lord Barnard. “We look forward to welcoming visitors old and new to our full programme of activities for 2023, which includes plenty of events to commemorate the coronation year.”
In addition to the exciting new celebratory coronation additions, Raby Castle will be hosting a series of events for the whole family to enjoy throughout the 2023 season. From Mothers’ Day Castle tours and afternoon tea, to Easter trails through the Plotters’ Forest and Deer Park, and Serene Sunday yoga sessions in the shadow of the magnificent Castle, it is set to be the beginning of a season to remember at Raby.
With so many exciting adventures to be had at Raby Castle this season, a Raby Membership is the best way to enjoy access to everything and anything Raby Castle has to offer*. The Raby Membership begins from £12.50 per year for children from 4 to 12-years-old, with family passes starting at £65 (2 adults + 3 children), with benefits including admission to Raby Castle, the Deer Park and High Force Waterfall and 10% off at the Yurt Café and High Force Hotel. A Plotters’ Forest adventure playground extension is available.
This Castle will be open for the season from 1st March to 29th October. The Deer Park is open seven days a week, with admission included in a Castle ticket. Tickets for the Plotters’ Forest are sold separately.
[1] The full carriage collection is not on public display